It has been a while since I last jumped into a relatively new series. For the most part I've had the general rule of not doing so because of how often these things get cancelled soon after. Though it's also a mixture of not having enough time or not finding that many new productions that interesting in the first place. Though upon seeing this title online, I read the synopsis and it caught my attention. There was something about the premise that seemed like it would be something I would actually enjoy, something more suitable to my interests. I saw that this was a show coming from the creator of Breaking Bad, which I honestly don't care that much for. Breaking Bad was a while ago and I can't say I have been looking for something to fill its place.
Perhaps it is me just not searching enough, but I can't say I have stumbled across many shows that seemingly have simple but unique premises. One would assume that in the world of streaming and inflated budgets that we'd have all kinds of simple concepts popping up to try something new; that hasn't really been the case and thus something like Pluribus stands out massively: a world in which an alien virus has spread and left behind just a handful of people free from its reign. The rest of humanity having found themselves part of a hive mind that holds nothing but tranquility in mind. A hivemind in which everyone seems content doesn't sound so bad, does it? I guess this is where the show managed to capture my attention.
Another thing: this is a show coming from Apple TV. There's definitely a style that Apple has and tries to maintain with its original productions. Sometimes it doesn't quite work out, sometimes it really results in something good. That's something to keep in mind if you're familiar with other Apple productions like The Studio, Silo, or maybe even Slow Horses.
There are just three episodes of the show out at the moment, but the first episode really gets all that major exposition out there and throws us into this mysterious world. Where that radio signal is discovered and a few short months later it is revealed it's some sort of virus, it just isn't quite yet known what type. Only for a lab leak to unfold as an animal bites a scientist, leading to the spread throughout humans. At first it seems like it's a horror show, the way the virus spreads throughout the building. As people lose their individuality and turn into these seemingly mindless zombies. Though as the episode progresses we see it actually has a relatively kind and gentle nature to it. This is revealed a bit more later on. Though it's an interesting concept in which a virus takes over humanity but actually improves it.
This brings in the question of whether such an event could actually be considered bad. In one scene the virus itself even speaks on how this is the best thing to have happened to humanity. Where suddenly there are no wars, no conflicts, no struggles. Everyone works together like a hivemind. And the virus, while displaying clear intent on wanting to take control of the few remaining people that somehow didn't get infected, actually wants to take care of those who remain. Again, it still does display an intent on figuring out why they didn't get infected and eventually fixing that little problem. But until then, people are free to live as they please and the virus is happy to support them. Again, interesting in how the story takes place. Not displaying this virus as threatening, but actually really welcoming.
I've really enjoyed how the episodes play out so far, how we're seeing the world and how it is attempting to rebuild under this hivemind concept. Where all the destruction that remains was considered an accident. And how this fragile hivemind can still easily suffer as a result of external factors despite having total control over most of humanity. Our protagonist seems insufferable, she's really not someone to care for or to root for. But that again works great as this contrast to a hivemind which displaying nothing but acts of care and kindness. It brings in the question of why our protagonist is this way. Also questions pertaining to how this story will continue to unfold. She doesn't want to be part of the hivemind, but she also displays guilt over accidentally causing harm to people through a lack of understanding regarding the virus and how it works.
So far this has been one of the most unique concepts for a series that I've seen. And it really shows just how engaging they can be when money is thrown at unique ideas. I'm really curious as to where this is heading. It remains incredibly strong so far, even down to its production quality. Apple really has a big gem in its hands, I just hope it manages to understand its value.
Ah nice! My wife started watching this one and is a little confused at a few of the concepts you mentioned. Though, she is one to ask what the point is before the reveal. Still, I love post apocalyptic for shows and might have to check it out.
Thanks to our friend @stdd for sharing this so I could see it too.
Yeah I'm really curious as to where it's going to go. So far it is one of those shows that really gets you guessing and trying to figure it out when there's currently nothing to go by. But that's really part of the fun!
Especially when the protagonist is so easy to dislike. It almost has you wanting the hive mind to get its way and progress. Which, very soon, might actually reveal itself to be more sinister than it seems. I love that contrast. On one hand it shows how this doesn't seem like a bad thing, but then on the other we see what would be lost through it.
It's a show that weighs the concepts of individuality, society and its self-destructive nature as a result of freedom, and the problems of a hive mind group that is incapable of saying no even if, again, it leads to self-destruction. Kinda like it's shining a light on humanity and in some dark humourous way says we are doomed regardless.
Looking forward to where this goes from here though. Three episodes in and it hasn't yet got a direction to suggest anything at all.
I absolutely love this show and not realizing that only 3 episodes exist at the moment, I was very disappointed when the "next episode" button all of a sudden didn't do anything. I guess week-by-week releases are the new normal.
I think this is something Apple TV has typically done for a while. It's a more recent thing that other streaming services have been following to ensure people don't binge through the one decent show on the platform and then cancel their subs before the next month gets billed. On one hand I like the traditional one episode per week excitement as it gives you something to look forward to, on the other hand I hate that it's now just to milk the consumer
well I can understand why they do it from a financial point of view. It probably also makes piracy a bit more difficult because people will have to torrent individual episodes unless someone makes a compilation available.
Netflix still releases entire seasons all at once, but not all of them.
Actually, I don't really like this genre, but it looks interesting. Thanks for the recommendation.
Best regards, @namiks
I can't say I've really seen anything to compare this to regarding the story. For something new it's well worth checking out, you might just enjoy it :)
I think it's absolutely brilliant, from the discomfort some scenes create to the premise that the most miserable person in the world is the one who has to save humanity. I really enjoyed all three episodes; the quality never dips.